BackGovt looking to enact law to stop attacks on press: Prakash Javadekar
I&B minister exudes confidence that both print and electronic media will flourish in the coming times
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Mumbai: The Narendra Modi government at the Centre is committed towards ensuring a free press and will look into the possibility of introducing a central law to prevent attacks on journalists, information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said here.
“We have earned the press freedom, we did not get it for free. We have gone through a lot of struggle. This (freedom of press) is the essence of democracy and it needs to be preserved. The Modi government is committed towards full freedom to media and that is our principle because we believe in it," Javadekar said at the Press Club Mumbai’s ‘RedInk Awards’ 2014 here Saturday night.
Stating that attacks on mediamen are serious, the minister said, “It has to be prevented. Some state governments have taken a lead and enacted them (laws). We will definitely look into the possibility of whether a central law can be brought to prevent attack on journalists and the press."
Stressing on the need to bring in self-regulation, Javadekar said, “As you know that nothing is absolute. Freedom entails responsibility. What we as in society expects from the media? Accuracy, balance and fairness...that is the basis of journalism. Sometimes we wonder freedom of whom? To owners, editors or journalists who are working hard on the stories, readers or viewers for the electronic and print media? So I think ethics and duties are definitely an issue to discuss. But is it sounding something like censorship? No. I think self-regulation is the best way. I don’t like the word regulation, I feel that self-corrective mechanism needs to be in your system."
The minister also sought to know whether media is going to play up what public is interested in or what is in the larger public interest. In the backdrop of veteran journalists debating on “Elections 2014: Were We fair or Did We stoke the Namo Wave?" held during the event, Javadekar said, “You cannot sell bad products by good advertisements, and for people, this time Modi was the best and that is why he was chosen."
Also, technology has brought a real change in media than in any other field, Javadekar said.
The minister exuded confidence that both print and electronic media will flourish in the coming times.
“I believe we are not taking into account of rising graph of literacy and readership. Both print and electronic media will survive and flourish and help to make democracy success.I don’t think somebody will go down and somebody will survive," he said.
Talking about social media, third and fourth phase digitizaiton, All India Radio, foreign direct investment (FDI) in media, the minister said, “We would seek consensus of all stakeholders before taking any decisions. We will not thrust upon some decision on you people. We will talk to all stakeholders and will want to involve all before taking decision."
He recalled restrictions imposed on media during the emergency and said he was one among those who had opposed it.
“We went to jail that time. Because of sacrifices made by many people we got the freedom of press. There was a time when Lokmanya Tilak used to be sent to jail for writing one article. Now the situation has changed," he said.
The minister awarded cash prizes and trophies to 30 journalists—winners as well as runner-ups—for best stories in 15 different categories in print and television here Saturday night.
Veteran journalist Mrinal Pande was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. Maharashtra governor K. Sankarnarayanan was the chief guest on the occasion. PTI
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